Whether you are new to wearing contact lenses or you have been a regular wearer, it is good to keep up to date with the different types of lenses out there. If you are looking for your first pair of contact lenses and are wondering what type to purchase- you have come to the right place. And for long term wearers, as our eyes and requirements change, you may find yourself looking for a different type of lens- which in that case, we got you covered too. With a variety of lenses ranging from low to high power, variable duration of wear, type of material, colour, and specific eye requirements like astigmatism and multifocal, there is literally a lens to meet everyone’s needs.

Below we will take you through each category of lenses, all of which are available on our website, and explain a little about them to help you see things a lot more clearly- figuratively and literally speaking.  

Daily Lenses

Daily lenses are to be worn for one day only and to be disposed of before you sleep. These lenses are not to be reused or worn overnight as they may gather bacteria which could lead to infection. However, if wearing daily lenses correctly, it reduces the risk of eye infections due to them being disposed of after one use. Daily lenses are thinner than other types of contact lenses, allowing for more airflow to the eye, which some say feels lighter and more comfortable to wear. The best part of daily lenses is the convenience factor, where no cleaning or storage is needed- simply discard after using, and pop a new one in the next morning. These types of lenses are excellent for people with sensitive eyes as the increased airflow results in less dryness and irritation. Perfect for a first-time user who is getting used to wearing contacts.

Bi-Weekly Lenses

If you like the idea of lenses that you do not have to dispose of daily, then bi-weekly lenses may be more suitable to your needs. Similarly to daily lenses, bi-weekly contact lenses are to be taken out before bed. But instead of disposing of them, they are to be stored overnight, to be ready to use the following day. This can be done every day for two weeks, before they are to be disposed of. Bi-weekly lenses are slightly thicker than daily lenses, which makes them more durable and able to withstand a fortnight of singular use. To store, simply place your lenses into their case and store with fresh solution overnight.

Monthly Lenses

Like the same suggests, monthly lenses can withstand a month of use before they are to be discarded. They are a stronger and more durable lens which makes them more resistant to any dirt or sweat, whilst retaining moisture to protect your eyes from drying out. Monthly contact lenses are a good choice for people who are travelling and do not want to bring multiple contact lenses with them. Like with most contact lenses, they are to be stored in a fresh solution overnight to keep them clean. When choosing your lenses, take into consideration how often you would wear them to determine if monthly lenses are more convenient for you. If you plan to wear contact lenses frequently, then you may like to consider the cost effectiveness of monthly lenses. Using one lens a month works out to be a cheaper option which we are not mad about.

Three Monthly Lenses

Three monthly lenses are normally assigned to coloured contacts which can be with or without prescription power. We will discuss coloured contacts in more depth a bit further down. However, if purchasing three monthly lenses, ensure you clean and store them properly as three months is a much longer time to be using the one pair of contacts, and heightens the risk of your contacts to be exposed to bacteria. These lenses offer a stronger durability and economical option, and are to be taken out before sleep.

Yearly Lenses

These types of lenses are the most durable when compared against its other counterparts. Made to last up to one-year, yearly lenses are made from the sturdiest material, enabling them to be the most resistant to accruing dirt or debris. Because of their one lens a year expiry, this makes yearly lenses the most economical option, but also the option with the most maintenance. Yearly lenses must be removed every night before sleep, and cleaning and storing these lenses properly are imperative. Lack to do so increases the chance of eye discomfort and infection, and the need to change the lens more frequently- defeating the purpose of yearly lenses. Nonetheless, if you are needing to wear contacts every day, and like the idea of only having to change once a year, then yearly lenses might be the right pick for you.

Silicon Hydrogel Lenses

Silicon hydrogel lenses are made from a soft water-based plastic material. They are an advanced type of lens that has a high oxygen permeability, allowing up to 6 times more oxygen to reach the eye than lenses made with regular hydrogel materials. This makes silicon hydrogel lenses the most comfortable and best for minimising dryness and maintaining moisture. Lenses made from silicon hydrogel are best suited for extended wear, and because of their ability to allow for more oxygen to enter the eye, they are much better for our eye health and level of comfort. This puts silicon hydrogel lenses at a higher price point, however, paying extra for an increased level of comfort is never a bad thing. These types of lenses are available in all varieties of duration, eye requirements, colour, and power. As always, ensure you clean and store your silicon hydrogen lenses as you would any other lens.

Toric/ Astigmatism Lenses

Some of us have abnormal curvature of the cornea caused by astigmatism, which is why toric lenses are made especially to correct this. Instead of having a spherical surface like regular contact lenses, toric lenses are shaped like a tube, similar to a donut, which are designed specifically to reshape the cornea and helping it to return back to spherical. Toric lenses come in daily, monthly, three monthly, and yearly disposals, alongside having the option of being made with silicon hydrogel, or coming in colour. They are also weighted and have thicker edges which help to secure them in place, increasing their effectiveness whilst keeping your eyes hydrated.

Multifocal Lenses

Multifocal lenses are contact lenses with multiple prescriptive powers in one lens. These types of lenses may take some time to get used to, but if you are well accustomed to multifocal lenses, then these can really aid you into seeing clearly across all situations. They are to be treated like any other contact lens and to adhere by the wearing duration, and correct care and storage. Some multifocal lenses are made with silicon hydrogel, making them comfortable for wearing over extended periods, being gentler on your eyes.

Coloured Lenses

If you are looking to change up your look, or have a dress up party to attend, coloured and party lenses make for the perfect option to complete your look. Coming in a range of colours and shapes, coloured lenses can be worn with or without power for daily or long-term wear. All our coloured lenses are from quality brands who specialise in complete eye comfort, ensuring colourants are insulated and kept isolated from your eyes, and increased oxygen permeability to keep your eyes feeling fresh and hydrated. Ensure you remove your coloured lenses before bed and depending on their wearing time, dispose or store correctly overnight.

Extended Wear Lenses

Unlike most lenses which are to be taken out before sleep, extended wear lenses are made specifically for being worn during the day and night. Perfect for the ultimate convenience, you can go to bed and wake up in the morning ready to go without having to put your contacts back in again. Made with silicone hydrogel, enabling the lenses to essentially breathe easier by being better for your overall eye health, this is why these lenses can withstand long durations of wear. However, some people’s eyes may not be able to tolerate overnight contact lenses, so be aware that the number of days your eyes could handle overnight lenses will vary. The longest time for extended wear lenses is monthly lenses, which can be worn every day and night for up to one month before needing to be disposed of.

All our lenses are made with soft plastic combined with water to minimise eye dryness, promoting hydration. They are available in a range of reputable brands and prescribed powers to suit your individual eye needs. If you are new to wearing contact lenses, you might like to begin by wearing them for a short time each day before slowly building up to full days.